Interview: Clint Nagata on the...

Middle East clients want to have a big impact on the future of hospitality, says the BLINK Design Group founder

As founder and creative partner of BLINK Design Group, Clint Nagata’s passion for travel, hospitality and design is the inspiration behind company's philosophy. Born and raised in Hawaii, Clint's relocated to Thailand to open his first studio, and now BLINK Design Group is present in Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai. It's design projects include: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort; Six Senses Uluwatu; Four Seasons, Jimbaran Bay; The Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park; Capella Singapore and Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li.

Connecting Travel met with Clint at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), held in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 9 May 2023, to find out how BLINK will be shaping the hotel rooms of the future.

Connecting Travel: What are your key goals in 2023?
Clint Nagata: Our goals are to focus on partnering with key clients who share the same vision and have a deep understanding and belief in the spirit of collaboration. We have been fortunate enough to turn down projects we felt were not aligned with the firm's design ethos or vision.

CT: What were your objectives at FHS?
CN: Meeting likeminded individuals who share the same passion for great design and are looking to create game-changing destinations. There is no hotter hospitality market than the Middle East in terms of clients who want to have a big impact on the future of hospitality, especially in Saudi.

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CT: What are the greatest challenges facing investors in the Middle East?
CN: Time and money. There never seems to be enough of it. We are always challenged to deliver more with less. It becomes compounded considering that everyone is trying to outdo each other.

CT: Where is the greatest investment potential in hospitality in 2023?
CN: We have been working a lot on branded residences. There is a huge demand for second, third homes in locations throughout the globe as consumers look to travel more and spend time away from their primary residences.

For more information on the next Future Hospitality Summit, visit www.futurehospitalitysummit.com/ae